5 For even when we came into Macedonia, our body had no rest at all, but we were troubled in every way—struggles from the outside, fears from within. 6 But God, who encourages the downhearted, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. 7 We were encouraged not only by his arrival, but also by the encouragement you gave him, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your deep concern for me, so that I rejoiced more than ever. 8 For even if I made you sad by my letter, I do not regret having written it (even though I did regret it, for I see that my letter made you sad, though only for a short time). 9 Now I rejoice, not because you were made sad, but because you were made sad to the point of repentance. For you were made sad as God intended, so that you were not harmed in any way by us. 10 For sadness as intended by God produces a repentance that leads to salvation, leaving no regret, but worldly sadness brings about death.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Jennie Vu

⬅️ Looking back at this passage, I see that Paul must have rebuked the Corinthians in a way that led them to repentance. I also notice Paul's deep concern for the people there, as he was troubled in every way. His rebuke highlights that caring for the people we love sometimes requires speaking hard truths. Personally, I am not confrontational, and perhaps I am not as convicted as Paul to challenge another brother or sister for the sake of the gospel. Paul was deeply hurt by their initial response to him but still found joy in the fact that it led to their repentance. In turn, the Macedonian believers encouraged Paul, reassuring him that his rebuke was not in vain. This interaction between Paul and the Macedonian church paints a beautiful picture of how sadness, concern, and joy all come together as I walk this Christian life with my St Barnabas family.

⬆️ Where I see God in this passage is in how His word brings us together. The way God softened the hearts of the Macedonians and led them to repentance shows me that God uses us – human vessels – to carry His word to encourage, challenge, and edify His people. I am thankful for the power of the Bible, though I am sometimes saddened that I do not always fully embrace its power. I pray that we can all use biblical truths to challenge and spur each other on, especially when times are tough and we don't want to hear the hard truths. Even when these truths make us sad, we should be moved to come to Him in repentance.

⬇️ Reflecting on how this passage impacts us today, I am grateful that God has placed us in a church with sound teaching, faithful teachers, and ministers who are dedicated to God's word. Just as God encouraged Paul through the people of Macedonia, we too experience encouragement within our church community. I pray that I can be like the Macedonians – able to accept rebuke with an open heart, ride through the waves of sadness, and ultimately overcome them with waves of joy, knowing that God has placed me in a church with people who genuinely care about my Christian walk.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennie is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.